Standards Addressed (include prioritization E, I or C)
Lesson Prioritization (E, I, C)
Timing Suggestion(s)
Investigation 1: What Do You Think You Know About Water as a Resource?
Record what you know about how water is used, where water is found, how water is part of the Earth’s systems, and how to ensure a safe and useable water supply.
5.1.1. Water exists on the Earth in reservoirs (on or within the Earth’s surface and atmosphere). The total amount of water in these reservoirs does not change, however, the ratio of water in solid, liquid, or gaseous form varies over time and location. (E)
5.1.2. The movement of water among the geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere affects such things as weather systems, ocean currents, and global climate. (E)
E
1-2 days
Investigation 2: Travelin' Water
In this lab activity you will act as a water particle and move about through the water cycle to show that water travels a varied and non-linear path as it travels through the cycle.
5.1.1. Water exists on the Earth in reservoirs (on or within the Earth’s surface and atmosphere). The total amount of water in these reservoirs does not change, however, the ratio of water in solid, liquid, or gaseous form varies over time and location. (E)5.2.1. Water cycles from one reservoir to another through the processes of evaporation, transpiration, condensation and precipitation. Energy transfers and/or transformations are associated with each of these processes. (E)1.1.4. Understand that: There is much experimental and observational evidence that supports a large body of knowledge. The scientific community supports known information until new experimental evidence arises that does not match existing explanations. This leads to the evolution of the scientific body of knowledge. Be able to: Form explanations based on accurate and logical analysis of evidence. Revise the explanation using alternative descriptions, predictions, models and knowledge from other sources as well as results of further investigation. (E)
E
2-3 days
Investigation 3: Transpiration: What Do the Plants in the Backyard Have to Do with the Water Cycle?
Learn that plants transport water through transpiration.
Describe the importance of plants in the water cycle.
5.2.1. Water cycles from one reservoir to another through the processes of evaporation, transpiration, condensation and precipitation. Energy transfers and/or transformations are associated with each of these processes. (E) 1.1.1. Understand that: Scientific investigations involve asking testable questions. Different kinds of questions suggest different scientific investigations. The current body of scientific knowledge guides the investigation.Be able to: Frame and refine questions that can be investigated scientifically, and generate testable hypotheses. (E) 1.1.3. Understand that: In a scientific investigation, data collection involves making precise measurements and keeping accurate records so that others can replicate the experiment. Be able to: Accurately collect data through the selection and use of tools and techniques appropriate to the investigation. (E)
1.1.5 Understand that: Evaluating the explanations proposed by others involves examining and comparing evidence, identifying faulty reasoning, pointing out statements that go beyond the evidence, and suggesting alternative explanations for the same observations. Conflicting data or conflicting interpretations of the same data suggest the need for further investigation. Continued investigation can lead to greater understanding and resolution of the conflict.Be able to: Communicate scientific procedures, data, and explanations to enable the replication of results. Use computer technology to assist in communicating these results. Critical review is important in the analysis of these results. (I)
E
2-3 days
Investigation 4: Flow of Groundwater--Percolation, Porosity
Observe the flow of groundwater through sand, gravel, and clay.
Compare the results of their investigations to determine the effect of porosity on groundwater flow.
5.2.2. Water within a watershed travels over and through the land at various speeds based on the rate of change in elevation and the permeability and porosity of the soil. Water carries with it products of human activity. (I) 1.1.2. Understand that: A valid investigation controls variables. Different experimental designs and strategies can be developed to answer the same question.Be able to: Design and conduct investigations with controlled variables to test hypotheses. (E) 1.1.3. Understand that: In a scientific investigation, data collection involves making precise measurements and keeping accurate records so that others can replicate the experiment.
Be able to: Accurately collect data through the selection and use of tools and techniques appropriate to the investigation. (E)
E
5-6 days
Investigation 5: Dough Mountain
Develop an understanding for contour lines
Develop an understanding for contour intervals
Discover trends in topographic maps
5.2.3. Surface water always flows downhill. Areas of higher elevation separate watersheds. In Delaware, this water eventually reaches the Delaware River, the Delaware Bay, the Atlantic Ocean or the Chesapeake Bay. (I) 1.1.6. Understand that: Scientific habits of mind and other sources of knowledge and skills are essential to scientific inquiry. Habits of mind include tolerance of ambiguity, skepticism, openness to new ideas, and objectivity. Other knowledge and skills include mathematics, reading, writing, and technology. Be able to: Use mathematics, reading, writing, and technology when conducting scientific inquiries. (I)
E
5-6 days
Including additional map work.
Investigation 6: Treatment of Wastewater: How is Your Water Supply Cleaned and Tested?
Learn about two different Delaware facilities for treating wastewater.
Describe the major processes used to treat wastewater.
Learn about physical, chemical and biological processes used to treat water.
5.3.2. Water from some natural sources is unfit to drink and requires the use of specialized technology to analyze and purify it. (C) 6.4.3. The environment may contain dangerous levels of substances in the water and soil that are harmful to organisms. Careful monitoring of these is important for healthy life processes. (C)
5.1.2. The movement of water among the geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere affects such things as weather systems, ocean currents, and global climate. (E)
Describe the importance of plants in the water cycle.
1.1.1. Understand that: Scientific investigations involve asking testable questions. Different kinds of questions suggest different scientific investigations. The current body of scientific knowledge guides the investigation.Be able to: Frame and refine questions that can be investigated scientifically, and generate testable hypotheses. (E)
1.1.3. Understand that: In a scientific investigation, data collection involves making precise measurements and keeping accurate records so that others can replicate the experiment. Be able to: Accurately collect data through the selection and use of tools and techniques appropriate to the investigation. (E)
1.1.5 Understand that: Evaluating the explanations proposed by others involves examining and comparing evidence, identifying faulty reasoning, pointing out statements that go beyond the evidence, and suggesting alternative explanations for the same observations. Conflicting data or conflicting interpretations of the same data suggest the need for further investigation. Continued investigation can lead to greater understanding and resolution of the conflict.Be able to: Communicate scientific procedures, data, and explanations to enable the replication of results. Use computer technology to assist in communicating these results. Critical review is important in the analysis of these results. (I)
Compare the results of their investigations to determine the effect of porosity on groundwater flow.
1.1.2. Understand that: A valid investigation controls variables. Different experimental designs and strategies can be developed to answer the same question.Be able to: Design and conduct investigations with controlled variables to test hypotheses. (E)
1.1.3. Understand that: In a scientific investigation, data collection involves making precise measurements and keeping accurate records so that others can replicate the experiment.
Be able to: Accurately collect data through the selection and use of tools and techniques appropriate to the investigation. (E)
Develop an understanding for contour intervals
Discover trends in topographic maps
1.1.6. Understand that: Scientific habits of mind and other sources of knowledge and skills are essential to scientific inquiry. Habits of mind include tolerance of ambiguity, skepticism, openness to new ideas, and objectivity. Other knowledge and skills include mathematics, reading, writing, and technology. Be able to: Use mathematics, reading, writing, and technology when conducting scientific inquiries. (I)
Including additional map work.
Describe the major processes used to treat wastewater.
Learn about physical, chemical and biological processes used to treat water.
6.4.3. The environment may contain dangerous levels of substances in the water and soil that are harmful to organisms. Careful monitoring of these is important for healthy life processes. (C)